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ADHD:
more than just the stereotype pg. 9
January 29, 2021 | Vol. 17 | Issue 7 | Lee’s Summit West High School 2600 SW Ward Road | Lee’s Summit, Missouri
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on the
Cover
Senior Josie Taylor opens up on her experience with ADHD. Learn more on pg. 9 Photo by Anna Long
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CONTENTS
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Dr. Buck shares more about re-opening high schools
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On the Web:
Need a pick me up? Read about how students are staying motivated in the new year
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Netflix show “Bridgerton” inspires fashion trends from the 1800s FOLLOW US:
Check out the process of getting an antigen test as an LSR7 student. Story by Cam Careswell
Staff:
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pg.
Click here
Editorial Policy
Editor in Chief: Anna Long Associate Editor: Anna Eulinger Design Editor/Web Director: Madeline Cantrell Photography Editor: Vanesa Nhotharack Chief Copy Editor: Ella Skelsey Advertising and Billing Manager: Christina Jarvis Sports Editor/Web Director: Josh Wood Social Media Manager: Natalee Still Copy Editors: Emily Gerhart Mia Guidolin Hayden Peters Staff Artist: McKenna Bell Campus Photographer: Sarah Hall Sports Staff: Ian McDonald Keaghan McDaniel Social Media: Haleigh Davis Meghan Cox Reporters: Victoria Newman Caroline True Publications Adviser: Carol Ullery Business Adviser: Karrie Smythia
Titan Scroll is a student publication of Lee’s Summit West High School. The Titan Scroll is a practicing public forum for student expression. We welcome all letters to the editor, but reserve the right to edit for libel and for space. No unsigned letters will be printed. Letters may be emailed to the editor, dropped off in room 2048 or mailed to 2600 SW Ward Road, Lee’s Summit, Mo. 64082. Volume 17 of the Titan Scroll is published twice each month during the 2020-2021 school year. Student editors make all content decisions. The opinions contained do not in any way represent the Lee’s Summit West faculty, administration, or the R-7 school district administration or school board.
@lswestonline
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Staff Editorial
Accepting the present we’ve been given As this past year taught us, circumstances of the world around us change from day to day, sometimes even by the hour. Even so, we cannot allow that to stop us from focusing on what the near future holds. “When will this pandemic be over? When can I get the vaccine? How long will we be in-person for school? When will things go back to normal? When, when, when?” How about instead of focusing on the when’s, how’s, and what-if ’s, we focus on the now? Putting all of our attention on our worries about the near future will not necessarily affect the outcome. There are just some things we do not have control over, such as how fast a vaccine can be administered, or what the school district will decide about our learning environment. We often tend to jump to conclusions about the outlook for the remainder of the school year, deciding that prom is a no-go, spring break won’t be worth it, and a normal graduation is out of the question. Sure, those things could happen, but who knows? Changes happen in an instant. So, let’s start taking things day-by-day. Baby steps. What can we do today to better ourselves for tomorrow? We don’t have much else to do, so let’s get ahead on that project that’s due two weeks from now. Let’s call our friends. Update them. We’re all going through it right now, so let’s take time out of our day to vent. Not happy with our current lifestyles? Let’s make small changes here and there to make our time at home relaxing and stress-free.
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Let’s be real, though. This improvement on our personal outlooks will not fix everything. Daily circumstances may still not be ideal. Our moods will not magically change, but that’s okay. It’s normal. No one said we need to have a positive attitude at all times during a pandemic. Concealing our emotions will not help, but only make our mental states worse. If we do not allow ourselves to lay all of our issues out on the table every once in a while, they pile up inside us until the only option left is a sudden outburst of anger and sadness. The latter isn’t good for ourselves or the ones around us. With that being said, let’s allow ourselves to not immediately get up, but stay down there and ponder the view for a while. Take a good look around so we can learn from the experience. It is just not possible for our lives to be perfect right now and we do not need to be afraid of failure. We need to remember that we’re not alone, because every single person around us has experienced the same moment during this time. The best part about falling is that when we finally do pick ourselves back up, we might feel even better than before. As noted, unexpected changes can happen quickly, so it might be wise to use an erasable pen for our 2021 planners. Our pitfalls will allow us to come back stronger and prove that we can try again. It may take a few trials, but we have proven to ourselves before that it is possible. Let’s not think only of the future when we have little control over it. Let’s focus on what we can control and remember to take it day by day.
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Teachers and nurses weigh-in on vaccine distribution Anna Eulinger After nearly nine months of what some may have felt was a never-ending pandemic, the first vaccine for the coronavirus was administered in the United States, according to BBC News. With that bomb being dropped, it was only a matter of time for the major rollout of the vaccine to begin. According to the Jackson County Health Department, there are four phases in which citizens will receive the vaccine, those being phases 1A, 1B, 2, and 3. For school nurse Ashley Wickman, she falls under the first phase and has already received the vaccine. “Side effects are different depending on the person, and they can be dependent based on what brand or what company you get the vaccine through, because there’s two approved ones right now by the FDA. My only side effect was a sore arm for about a day or two,” Wickman said. In order for the body to build immunity to the virus, Wickman said some people can have minor COVID-like symptoms, but it all comes down to how their body reacts. The vaccine works in a way that allows the immune systems to develop immunity to the virus or cause less severe symptoms if the virus does get contracted, according to Wickman. Even with its similarities to other vaccines, Wickman said she thinks some may find hesitation when it comes to getting the vaccine due to the recency of its development. “ … Because it’s a new virus and a new vaccine, there’s just some things that they don’t have answers to, and unknowns scare everyone. So, I think it’s just because it’s new and unknown and there’s not a lot of research behind it right now,” Wickman said. When it comes to pushing people to get the vaccine, Wickman said she doesn’t want to sway people one way or the other. She said she thinks it’s important for everyone to do their research to determine what the best option is for them, depending on if they have underlying medical conditions that may cause a reaction to the vaccine, or if they have questions or concerns that require talking to a medical professional. According to the Jackson County Health department, those considered a higher risk for coronavirus include racial and ethnic minority groups, pregnant women, smokers, and those with chronic kidney disease, COPD, immunocompromised state from solid organ transplant, obesity, serious heart conditions, sickle cell disease, type one and two diabetes, asthma, cystic fibrosis, high blood pressure, liver disease, and a weakened immune system. For math teacher Sterling Edwards, who falls under phase 1B for getting the vaccine, he encourages those who are hesitant to get the vaccine, to give it a chance and go for it. “We can’t control what other people do, but if I had a conversation with people, I think just to me, I feel like it’s my duty to get it and everybody has a duty, whether that’s wearing a mask, whether that’s getting vaccinated, whether that’s social distancing; we all have a role to play in trying to get past this pandemic,” Edwards said. On top of that, he thinks for the most part that teachers will have the same mindset as him and will get the vaccine. As for teachers getting vaccinated having an effect on the school year, Edwards said he doesn’t think it will change much of anything until a larger portion of the population gets vaccinated. He said that he does
not foresee a big enough change in cases and vaccinations for the school district to be back in-person five days a week. Looking towards the upcoming school year, however, Edwards said things might start to look up. “Whether students are vaccinated next year by the time teachers do [get vaccinated] and whatever other phases get completed, hopefully next year we’ll be able to have a normal school year regardless of where students are in the vaccination process,” Edwards said. Even though students will not be able to get vaccinated for a while, Edwards said he is not too worried about students having to deal with long-term effects of the virus, unless they have underlying medical conditions. On top of that, Edwards said he thinks the school has done the best they can to make decisions for the students. “There’s no perfect solution for any of these problems, whether we’re talking about school or things outside of school, it’s just been one of those situations in our world that there are no correct answers, there are no perfect answers … Administration I think has done the best job that they can and [are] trying to balance what’s important for students’ safety, in addition to what’s important for their learning,” Edwards said.
“I think everyone should do their research and make their best decision for themself and their family.” — Ashley Wickman
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Staff Commentary
We Need These Vaccines Josh Wood The Food and Drug Administration officially approved the first COVID-19 vaccine for use in the United States on Dec. 11. This is nothing short of a scientific miracle and it should be celebrated as such. As somebody with a compromised immune system, and somebody who lives with people with compromised immune systems, I was ecstatic to learn about this. My life of sitting at home, isolated from the rest of the world may soon be coming to an end. Since March, my family and I have had to take rather extreme measures to protect ourselves. No outside visitors to the house who don’t also quarantine, grocery shopping is only done online, the list goes on. To say the least, it’s been draining. I’m thankful for my girlfriend who took it seriously enough so we could see each other,
but other than that I’ve had practically no face to face interaction with anybody since this all started. The pandemic has affected me and my family more than anything ever has, and there is finally light at the end of the tunnel. As Hank Green so eloquently put it, “I am so ******* excited to get a COVID vaccine.” Like wow. I get why others may be scared, I mean a two inch needle of science juice that didn’t exist a year ago is a bit intimidating. But I am genuinely excited. I’ve had enough blood work done in my life that a needle doesn’t scare me in the slightest. And that science juice? According to the FDA, it’s shown a 95% effectiveness after it’s second dose, and only four in every 1,000 people showed serious side effects. As someone who could easily end up in the I.C.U. after a positive test, that’s a crucial step in returning to a normal life.
In my opinion, these vaccines are the only way we can begin to return to an old form of normal. To get there however, we need as many people to get the vaccine as possible. Many immune compromised people can’t get the vaccine at all, so they rely only on herd immunity, the idea of enough people being immune that the disease can’t spread. These people could be cancer patients, people with AIDS, even just allergies to ingredients in the vaccine. Many experts say that anywhere from 70-90% immunity is needed to protect these people. At my most recent endocrinologist appointment I was placed on a waitlist for the vaccine, and I signed up for the Jackson County vaccine waitlist, so hopefully soon I’ll be able to get one. I implore everyone over 16 to sign up at Jackson County health department’s website, so you can be notified when you qualify as part of their roll out plan.
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Students reflect on recent violence at Independence Center Ella Skelsey Since it’s opening in 1974, Independence Center has welcomed millions of visitors; but recently the mall has seen a decline in business for more reasons than one. Within the past month Independence Center has had increased levels of violence, starting with a fight between 500 youths, then multiple shootings in the parking lot and inside the mall itself. In response, the Independence Police Department worked with Independence Center management who installed a curfew. People ages 17 and under are not allowed on mall property after 3 p.m. without an adult with them at all times. The heightened violence paired with the closing of Macy’s, one of the five original anchor stores, leaves many wondering what’s in store for the mall. Reminiscing on what it used to be, sophomore Kaleigh Drew said she didn’t visit often but enjoyed her time there. She added that she liked going to Bath & Body Works, but one of her favorite memories was when she “was in a wheelchair due to surgery, and the time we had there was really good, even though I wasn’t really able to get up and walk around.” Since then, Drew said she hasn’t returned since late 2019 or early 2020. Similarly, junior Chloe Kincheloe said at one time, she would visit Independence Center with friends on special occasions, but hasn’t returned in the past five years. Kincheloe said her favorite memory was when she celebrated a friend’s birthday there. “My biggest memory from there is whenever we went to Diane’s birthday party down at the mall, and we just kind of ran around and did a little scavenger hunt and shop,” Kincheloe said, “But we were like, really young. But I can’t see any kids now doing that. It’s changed a lot.”
Kincheloe’s sentiment is one that many seem to share. Drew said she believes the change and increase in violence could be due to being holed up because of COVID-19 restrictions. “With the increase in violence, I feel as though it’s picked up this year because kids, as well as adults, are getting bored. And by going to the mall and fighting and/or shooting, it’s giving them something to do, which really isn’t necessary,” Drew said. Kincheloe had a different take on the situation; she thinks it could be a part of the mall’s newest addition, District Jungle: Eat & Play. The plans for District Jungle were revealed in late 2019, and according to the Kansas City Business Journal, it contains “11 different climbing walls, three levels of ropes courses and a Rollglider, an aerial ride that combines the sensation of free falling with hang gliding.” Kincheloe said she thinks by having more entertainment areas rather than shops, it’s possibly opening a place where people can dawdle and cause trouble. “Maybe, that kind of made people want to stand and hangout rather than shop, and that’s why more of the fights are happening. Rather than [shopping] ... I heard someone mention that and I thought, ‘That might actually be a reason why,’” Kincheloe said. On the flip side, both Kincheloe and Drew agreed that the new addition has helped slow the decline of business and will hopefully, according to Kincheloe, help bring the mall back to life. Kincheloe said, “I think they’ll probably be able to [recover], because I feel like this has happened other places and they’ve been able
to, kind of turn it around and they get better. But, I don’t know, I hope they are because it was a good mall, there were some good stores in there.” She added that if they were to close the mall, it would mean the loss of income for many families. “I mean that’s a lot of jobs that people are losing ... and then there’s a lot of unemployment, especially after COVID-19,” Kincheloe said.
According to the Independence Police Department’s Facebook, the IPD has been trying to tighten security at Independence Center by adding video surveillance and possibly providing safety training to staff. The shopping mall has seen multiple shootings and large fights recently committed there, and has since implemented a curfew of 3 p.m. for ages 17 and under. Independence Center has been welcoming 12 million visitors each year, according to it’s website, in Independence since it’s opening in 1974. Now, the rise of online shopping, COVID-19 and violence at the mall could force one of the metro area’s last shopping centers to close it’s doors. Photos by Ella Skelsey
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Caroline True Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th president of the U.S on Jan. 20, but with the recent capitol riot and COVID-19, things looked very different than past inaugurations. Now, President Biden is highlighting both of those topics in his first actions. A president’s first 100 days in office have been known to be crucial because voters are most tuned in according to CNN. This shows the American people if a president should be voted for again, and allows the president to build up his or her team. Some, like democrat, senior Sydney Stidham, are already looking forward to his full term in office. Stidham said, “I am so happy Joe is being sworn in. In his four years of being our president, I really hope he can make a difference and restore the American faith.” As announced on the POTUS’s Instagram Jan. 24, President Biden has already started action on many of the promises he made on his campaign tour. Biden’s team announced he rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement, re-engaged in the WHO, mandated masks on federal property, introduced an immigration bill, reversed former-president Trump’s “Muslim Ban,” launched a “federal initiative to advance racial equity nationwide,” and strengthened “consideration of deferred action for childhood arrivals” or DACA. On Jan. 25 he also announced he “repealed the transgender military ban,” and a “Buy American executive order” to push the government to buy American-made products. Before these orders were made, Biden had to wait for his inauguration after being elected,
just like the 45 Presidents before him. Democrat, senior Quinn Sheppard said, “I’m happy Joe Biden is finally being inaugurated soon, it feels like the election was forever ago.” As stated on Twitter, before his ban from the app, a tweet from then-president Trump said he wouldn’t attend the inauguration to congratulate Biden. This has only happened three other times, with Presidents John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and Andrew Johnson not attending the inauguration of their successors, according to TIME. Some Americans were worried it wouldn’t be a smooth transition of power or as peaceful as it should be after the attack on the Capitol. Democrat, junior Lilly Frazier said, “I think it should be peaceful, but the fact of the matter is I don’t necessarily know it will be. As [Jan. 6] has shown, and remarks by Trump, it has been made apparent it won’t, which is really upsetting.” Sheppard said she hopes things will pan out okay, under the leadership of President Biden. Sheppard said, “I hope that with Joe Biden as president the country becomes more united. It’s been a very tumultuous four years, I really hope everything calms down a bit.” Republican, junior Jax Whaley said he sees no issue with the election, but isn’t sure about the 46th president’s capabilities in the long run. Whaley said, “Biden being sworn in was fair, there was no proof of voter fraud. His first 100 days will be okay, but long term no.” Junior Ana Toras, a Republican, said she thinks the nation will stay divided throughout the next four years. Toras said, “I feel like it will be a 50/50 sort of deal. I believe that there will
be a lot of people upset with his choices and others that are happy. It’s really hard to say, considering I don’t agree with what he has to say.” Republican, sophomore Kail Michael said he’s worried about how Washington will act overall, now that Congress is also under a Democratic majority. Michael said, “I am concerned with Biden being our new president now that they have the House and Senate. Republicans won’t be heard.” Each party supports their candidate for their beliefs and what they think is right. The people vote on which party leader they believe aligns with them the best. Stidham said, “I support Biden because I agree with his plan for allowing every American to get affordable health care and his plan to advocate for LGBTQ+ equality in America and much more. Overall, I support him because I align with his views on how to better America.” Whaley said, “I will support whoever is in office, even if it’s not who I wanted. It’s the respectful thing to do as a citizen.” Americans also have the freedom to peacefully express their dislike with those in power, something the Founding Fathers solidified with the first amendment. Toras said, “I support Trump because of his morals and what he believes in. He is for the American people and for America itself and I support that.” Similarly, Michael said, “I don’t support Trump over Biden but I support the conservatives policies that they stand for. I don’t like what the Democrats stand for and the policies they follow.” In these unprecedented times, what lies ahead is never certain, but Sheppard said she’s thinking positively. Sheppard said, “These next four years will hopefully change this country for the better now that Democrats have the House and Senate, and it will be interesting to see what Biden can do.”
The U.S. Capitol, home to federal lawmaking as well as Presidential Inaugurations and an occassional impeachment trial, is known for it’s peaceful, calm facade. That was upended Jan. 6 when several domestic terrorists stormed the Capitol in an effort to stop the confirmation of the presidential election. National Guard from across the country was stationed at the Capitol to ensure a safe innauguration as President Joe Biden took the oath of office Jan. 20. Photo by Caroline True
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Staff Commentary
Blooming A Story About Growth
Victoria Newman Born a strong seed, ready to start a journey called life, it all began. Years pass and we grow and adapt. Each day another bud appears until the entire stalk is fresh vibrant green. And I am that flower. I never was a gardener and my parents weren’t either. So who was supposed to explain the correct way to keep a sunflower healthy and growing? According to my parents, there was no Parenting For Dummies book that explained how to raise a child. Although, most people know that in order to keep a plant alive, it needs water, clean soil, sunlight, and fertilizer; I went through most of my childhood with some of those necessary nutrients. I had friends. I had fun vacations, I was fed and hydrated properly, I had things I liked. So where did it all turn brown? When did my soft lush soil turn infertile? It’s difficult to determine when your mind starts to change. In fact, depression affects as many as one in every 33 children and one in eight adolescents, according to the Federal Center for Mental Health Services. It first started to show itself to me in middle school. I moved towns after sixth grade. Suddenly I was away from everyone I had ever known and everything familiar to me. I had hopes that I would stay in touch with my old friends, but that was not reality. Before I started seventh grade, I cried every day of that summer. I had regretted deeply telling my parents that I was okay with moving. To my knowledge, that was the first time I noticed that my light was fading, the growth of my seed stopping in it’s tracks. I had no friends. The only person I knew in Lee’s Summit was my brother. The first instance where I felt completely alone. Slowly, I found my way. I met many people at my new school and I got into theatre. The light began to return through my previously covered windows. Despite growing up and learning that some people wouldn’t be in your life forever, it was hard to believe that was true. My parents told me on multiple occasions that high school would be difficult. With harder classes and more freedom came more opportunities to find
out who you are as a person. Which in a result meant that I would grow and feel the pains of growth. Lots of things changed. I grew out of my stage fright. I joined the choir and found my true passion for singing with my friends beside me. I was taught the importance of standing up for myself and what it meant to be older. To take responsibility even when it was the hardest thing to do. Everyone tried to keep me healthy. Those close to me watered me when they noticed I was looking dry. They gave me sunshine when it was getting too dark in my little pot. It was never enough. To save the wilting sunflower, the sunflower itself had to heal on its own. It’s quite difficult to heal in a negative environment. For example, in July 2020, I lost my childhood dog to kidney failure. In Aug. 2020, a dear friend of mine passed away in a shooting. In Dec. 2020, my family friend who was the closest thing to a second father I could find passed in a plane crash. I took tiny steps to try and pick up the brokenness of my own life. I began therapy. Therapy was my fertilizer. Not a crutch to keep the sunflower alive, but a boost to keep it healthy. Talking with a complete stranger about the things that wilt your sunflower though, is not easy. How does one connect with a gardener that they know nothing about? How do you test if they are good enough to know everything about the seeds and roots that lie within one’s body? The first gardener will not always be the correct one. If they don’t help you as you need them to, seek another and try again until one sticks. My first therapist did not fit me. There was a disconnect between us. A fact I could not simply ignore and so I had to abandon the practice. My stalks were not blooming like they did when I was younger. They were growing slowly and with difficulty. Every passing day it became harder to get out of bed in the morning. I stopped feeling like anything around me was important. I began to drift away. Shifting from a bright happy youthful flower to a distant rock. Online school helped excuse my lack of socialization, plus the global pandemic restrict-
ing my life for months. The need to please my peers and my audience dissipated. I existed for a select few even though all I wanted to do was give up trying to grow anything besides two or three new leafs. People I held close to my heart slipped away. Conversations were short and bland. My phone stopped receiving messages. For many moments everything stopped. I was moving in slow motion or not moving at all. My seeds stopped growing. They stopped spreading and it was the end of the cycle. I had petals though. Beautiful yellow slices of life glued to my soul telling me to keep fighting. My window had just been enveloped in the curtains for too long. A sunflower’s life only lasts for 120 days, so why waste it wallowing in the darkness instead of growing and spreading the sunshine other sunflowers need to grow too? The cycle is difficult to continue. Some days are harder than others. The sun comes in smaller quantities and my room swells up with darkness again. But the petals remind me of happy times. Growing and changing are the most difficult parts of life for me. My little sunflower wasn’t ready for thunderstorms and droughts. No one taught the young flower to hold on for dear life and to never let the lighting steal the hope from your soul. Seek help. Struggling in silence, struggling to grow, is not the way. For you have petals, and seeds to spread. You have lives to save and people to show off your beautiful buds to. Life is not all darkness. It is sunshine, water, clean soil, and fertilizer. If I had to tell my younger self anything, it would be nothing. Learning and being ill is how I became who I am. I have a mental illness, but it doesn’t mean I am not worthy of growing. So, bloom and bloom strong. The world needs more sunflowers. Never be afraid to shine. And to all of the sunflowers who need gardeners, the professionals are open 24 hours a day. Seek help if you need it. Taking the first step is the way to grow and to heal.
800-273-8255
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Senior Josie Taylor opens up on her experience with ADHD
Anna Long Since second grade, senior Josie Taylor said she has faced challenges others may not understand because of her diagnosis with ADHD. Because girls typically have quieter presentations of the disorder, she said she was lucky to receive her diagnosis at such an early age. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is considered one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders. Though it can be presented in three different forms, ADHD is commonly characterized with hyperactivity and impulsive behaviors. Josie’s mom, Amy Taylor, is the library media specialist at West. She said Josie is a kind and compliant kid which made it harder to recognize her ADHD, though there were a few signs. “She was really slow at processing her work. And she was often distracted, kind of like, veering off into space,” Amy said. “She wasn’t a huge distraction. She wasn’t somebody that was talking back to teachers. It was kind of remarkable that we caught it as early as we did it.” In kindergarten, Josie’s teacher was the first to notice signs of ADHD. Amy said the teacher knew what to look for because she had a child who had the disorder. “I’ve been really lucky to never be confused about what I’m experiencing. And when I was a crazier kid, when I was younger, it was a little bit louder, and I was jumping off the walls,” Taylor said. “And so as I’ve gotten older that it’s gotten quieter, it’s a more internalized constant distraction.” Life with ADHD created challenges for her socially. “Before I got to high school, I didn’t really know how to socialize with other kids, because like, other kids would just call me weird, Photo by Anna Long
and I didn’t care,” Taylor said. “So I kind of accepted that I was a weird kid. And then it got sad in high school.” Amy said Josie has always been bright. Each year, she would qualify for the gifted program, though she never made it in because of the timed portion of the exam. A critical aspect of this program is the socialization it provides. “I always felt like had she been able to get into the gifted program earlier or at all, I think that those lessons on the socialization piece maybe would have helped,” Amy said. ADHD can look different for everyone, but Taylor has a metaphor to describe her own. “It’s like your brain was a TV with 100 different channels, and somebody else had their remote and was just switching between those channels constantly,” Taylor said. The stigma surrounding this disorder is another battle for those living with the condition. Taylor said she believes a driving factor for the misconceptions stem from the big screen. Oftentimes in movies and TV shows, characters who are playing the role of someone with ADHD can be viewed as the “hot mess.” Taylor said this does more than providing ill misrepresentation. “It just feels like it gives people an excuse to put down the disorder more. It just perpetuates this idea that it’s really not that big of a deal,” Taylor said. The idea that ADHD is benign and illegitimate is a common one. Taylor said that she was once told that she was only capable of her ACT score of a 32 due to her accommodations. “It caused me to question my accommodations for the rest of the week. And I’m constantly questioning my accommodations,” Taylor said. “And there’s the people sometimes that are like, ‘Oh, we’re all a little ADHD we all get distracted sometimes.’ But ADHD is a disorder and not an adjective. And you’re not a little ADHD.” Amy said it is important to normalize it. She said one way to achieve this is making sure all teachers are more aware of how ADHD can affect students. Another way she has worked to normalize ADHD for her daughter is by being open about it from the start. “We were not going to treat it as though it was something that
was a secret, or that it made her weird or different, or whatever,” Amy said, “And in hopes that we would normalize it for her, so that she wouldn’t see if it’s something that was bad or negative about herself. And I think we were successful in that to a degree because she’s not at all shy about talking about her ADHD.” The stigma of neurological disorders and mental health proceeds to haunt prescription drugs. “I feel like there is a weird stigma around meds with ADHD. Which makes sense, because unfortunately, people do use stimulant medication like the one that I take, I take Adderall, and people will use that as a performance enhancer,” she said. Adderall is used to improve concentration and focus for people with ADHD. Medical News Today reported that studies show Adderall “improves attention and focus, and reduces impulsive behaviors.” This is a stimulant medication, which can be abused when in the wrong hands. “There’s a fine line between medicine and a poison. And that’s how you use it. Right? And when you paint the medicine itself as a poison, it makes it hard for people who need it and who use it properly and who are using it safely and diagnosed by a doctor and prescribed by a doctor, it makes them feel guilty for using a drug that people abuse sometimes as a performance enhancer,” Taylor said. As a mother, Amy said she has experienced some amount of guilt for medicating her daughter. She said one of her good friends explained that kids who go undiagnosed and untreated will often self medicate; through the use of alcohol and other drugs. Though growing up feeling “different” has been challenging. Josie said she had a wonderful support system behind her. “I love my parents, I’m very lucky to be in the situation that I’m in, where they have an understanding of mental health issues and how it’s important to keep an eye on those and make sure that they’re getting treated,” Josie said. Amy said that West has also contributed to all of Josie’s support. “We are truly grateful for all the great staff who have worked to help Josie in regards to her diagnosis and accommodations. All of her counselors have been so helpful,” Amy said. “I would especially like to mention Sarah Gregory, 504 coordinator and Jennifer Monnig, LSW program coordinator. They have gone above and beyond.” Many people with the disorder find themselves hyper-focused and passionate about many different subjects. This was the case for Josie which she said made it difficult for her to choose a career path. Her two largest interests are music and health care. So in the fall, she plans to combine the two and study to be a music therapist.
“It’s like your brain was a TV with 100 different channels, and somebody else had the remote and was just switching between those channels constantly.” — Josie Taylor
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Focusing in on a lack of attention
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Staff commentary
Day one: making New Year’s resolutions stick Emily Gerhart “New year, new me!” 2021 has begun, and many people believe that it’s time for a fresh start. Get fit, save money, get better grades, eat healthier, etc… We have heard them all. Resolutions so common that while saying them, others already know it probably won’t happen. They are easy to say, but hard to follow. As the year progresses, more people disappear from their gyms that they were so eager to join weeks prior. So, where did that dedication go? It takes a little more than the change of a date to really change one’s habits. There are people in the gym year round who are committed, even if they didn’t start their journey on January 1. There are struggles with wanting to make a change in your life, and they are never easy to push through to reach your goals. The dawn of a new year causes many people to reflect on their past year, regret what they did not accomplish, and get motivated to make the next year the best they have ever had. When looking in the future, it is so easy to imagine the result, with little idea of the real commitment of your time, energy, and mind. The phrase that comes to mind is, “one year from now you will wish you started today.” Personally, every time I hear this quote I feel moti-
vated to get off of the couch and go out and improve myself. Whether or not I actually get up though, is another story. I know I am not alone in this momentary motivation with no action, that never results in progress. I am sure this is also the case for many others making resolutions. Everybody wants to improve themselves, but not everybody always accomplishes these resolutions because it is harder than it seems. It is the worst feeling to know that a whole year has passed and you don’t feel like you made the most of it. So, the idea of making resolutions and reinventing yourself throughout the next year sounds pretty appealing. But, making these resolutions a sustainable reality can be a different story. Of course it is different for every situation and goal, but making mini-goals as checkpoints throughout the journey to the ultimate goal helps keep that drive. It takes hard work and dedication, but nothing beats the feeling of reaching a goal that has been a repeated resolution for many years. In 2021, I challenge you to quit imagining
how life would be if you accomplished your resolutions and make it reality. Stop waiting for tomorrow, next month, or next year to make things happen. This all starts with resolutions to get your head thinking of what you want to accomplish and sticking to them. Instead of thinking “one day,” make this day one.
Staff commentary
Self discipline, self help Natalee Still Last year was a difficult one to stay motivated. I know I struggled with many aspects like staying on top of school work, getting goals accomplished, and even maintaining a good sleep schedule. Now that it’s 2021, we can create new goals… but how can we stay motivated? Motivation is what kept me from making progress with areas in my life. My mindset was always, “I don’t feel like it.” So then I didn’t do it. It is easy to take the route of feeling rather than doing. That’s why this year I’m going to be focusing more on self-discipline rather than motivation. Even if I don’t feel like getting something done, I’m going to get started anyway and rest after I’m finished. For example, online school really made me fall behind on school work and my sleep schedule. I lacked ‘wanting’ to learn, so I just put everything off until the last minute. It did not help me in the long-run, because I ended up losing more sleep by staying up late, and this resulted in late assignments. Now, since I’m planning to follow self-discipline, I’ll accomplish more than I originally would have done. If I think of the end result, I will also feel ready to accomplish more. This helps push me and finish my ideas. The more I put everything off, the tasks add up, which adds more stress. Junior Kara Moulder is working on staying motivated this year with school by creating a schedule for herself. She said she organizes her time by concentrating on one subject for
a while, then allowing herself to have a break trigued with the idea of achievements. after she is done. She said, “I allow breaks be- It can be so easy to give up on goals and daily cause it makes me more focused during times work in our lives, but the more we focus on the when I am working.” outcome, we can push ourselves to finish. If we Moulder said she also focuses on the end fall and start to struggle, we can get back up and goal of her school work; graduation, scholar- work hard again. ships, and college. Sometimes having others hold us account Many others also have plans to stay proactive able can help, but in the end, it comes down to this year. Senior Dera Okafor is one staying on helping ourselves. Self-motivation is difficult, top of her goals. She said she reiterates her goals but it is crucial and it’s worth it. Remember the to herself everyday. Okafor said she also writes upcoming results and look forward to when down her intentions for the day and what she our goals are accomplished. wants to get done every morning. Okafor is really involved with fitness and exercise. She has her own fitness account on multiple social media platforms; she uses this to show her fitness journey, give tips, and influence others. “Fitness motivates me to test the limits of my body. I stay motivated by working out when I see the results,” she said. “It’s so easy to give up sometimes, but seeing the results makes you want to work harder.” Okafor said working out makes her feel better, which then pushes her more. I enjoy checking up with my friends and their goals. When I stay involved with other people’s positive intentions and desires, it pushes me to work Dera Okafor is working on self-motivation through harder with mine. I tend to fitness. Okafor said, “The better I feel, the more mofeel more inspired and in- tivated I get.” Photo courtesy of Dera Okafor
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Feat: Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey
Sarah Hall Disney and Pixar are known for their heartwarming and tear-jerking movies. “Toy Story” was released in 1995 being Pixar’s first film to show to the world. According to PIxarAnimationStudios.com Pixar has created 23 feature films with “Soul” being the 23rd. The movie’s main character is Joe Gardner, voiced by Jamie Foxx. Gardner is a middle school band teacher trying to make it big in the jazz music industry. This movie goes on a long journey through the eyes of Joe Gardner. Joe gets a big break in his music, but that comes to a stop when Joe has a near death experience. This puts him in the afterlife making him regret taking his life for granted. Over the course of the movie, he learns that the little things in life are what’s important. Joe gets to see life through another point of view with a character named 22. 22, who is voiced by Tina Fey, represents those who think of life as pointless. Through the help of Joe, 22 sees what life is all about. They go on fun adventures and have to work together to help each other get what they want. “Soul” and “Inside Out” both have similar animations styles. These shows have very colorful scenes making the viewer feel like they’re watching in real time. The creaters of “Soul” made is so you can see every detail in the wood or the reflection of sunlight on the windows. This movie was beautify made and keeps the
audience wanting more. “Soul” is about finding your “spark.” The movie speaks greatly on everyone having a purpose, and finding that purpose is what life is all about. This 1 hour and 47-minute animation film teaches us that life is a blessing even when it doesn’t go as planned. Junior Izzy Touzinsky said she thought “Soul” was a great movie. “Soul is about doing what makes you happy and you should always follow your dreams. You only have one life, so you should do everything to make yourself happy. Instead of what society tells you what to do,” Tousinsky said. With this, I’ve heard many amazing things about the movie. Junior Sam Matthews said, ”I think that the film was good. I enjoyed the animation as always. However, I found that the humans’ portion was more interesting than the little cartoon souls. I thought lots of the humor was good, and it was overall a good experience.” I think “Soul” is a great movie; I usually don’t watch cartoons, but when I heard from my friends how good it was, I had to check it out. Sometimes we all need to be reminded how important life is and that we all have our sparks in the world. Pixar did a fantastic job with the animation and showed its audience a different perspective through black
culture. They highlighted the many different styles of animated black hair, which made the movie more realistic. This movie talks about the movement of jazz music throughout the generations and helps educate the viewers on the impact jazz music can have on someone’s life. The film was beautifully laid out and designed just perfectly to keep the audience on their toes. Overall I highly recommend watching the movie and seeing the animated feature for yourself.
Marvel introduces ‘WandaVision’ Review
Haleigh Davis Marvel fans have been waiting for the release of “WandaVision” since the project was announced last year. It comes as no surprise to hear excitement is building for the series. Senior Marie Monaghan learned of the upcoming series through FaceBook and YouTube. With Monaghan’s love for Marvel, she said her expectations for this series were pretty high due to the main two characters and is hoping the series doesn’t mess up anything. “They are taking two amazing characters and I really don’t want them to ruin what they created in the movies. Marvel has made so many great movies. I hope they can show that talent in a television show,” Monaghan said. According to IMDb, a database for films and shows, WandaVision “blends the style of classic sitcoms with the MCU in which Wanda Maximoff and Vision, two superpower beings living their ideal suburban lives, begins to suspect that everything is not as it seems.” Senior Christina Berkstresser, also a Marvel watcher, said she’s really hoping to learn more about Wanda’s past. “In the Avenger movies, her character strictly focuses on her powers. I think it’ll be interesting to watch her character develop,” Berkstresser said. Both Berkstresser and Monaghan have watched every Marvel movie but have opposite thoughts on the series living up to the Marvel films themselves. Monaghan said she does not
believe that the series will live up to the films, and that the D.C. universe should stick to the shows. Monaghan said,“Marvel shows in my opinion always fall short in some way or another. One of the things I have always said was ‘Marvel makes the best movies, and D.C. makes the best television shows.’ I don’t know what the difference is
between a movie and a television show but in my opinion I can always see one when it comes to Marvel movies and television shows.” Berkstresser is on the opposite side of the spectrum and said she believes it is hard to tell. “I hope it lives up to Marvel’s movies but because the plots split up into segments it’ll be hard to say,” Berkstresser said. WandaVision premiered two of their episodes Jan. 15, and so far Monaghan said she describes it as different and confusing. “It feels like an old show and I don’t hate it but I’m also very confused. I think it would’ve been better for them to have waited to have all of the episodes for the season released at the same time so it would’ve been less confusing and you’d be able to watch all the episodes and get some answers to the confusion.” Monaghan said because she was really confused watching the episodes, she can not imagine how someone who has not watched the films before could understand. For those who have watched the films, Monaghan’s advice is to keep an open mind and just keep watching with the hope that it will become better and less confusing. WandaVision´s two episode premiere was a real surprise with how different the plot is from any other show. It’s definitely building excitement as the rest of the season fills the plot episode by episode.
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Pixars latest creation ‘Soul’
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1800’s fashion trends gain popularity A review on Netflix’s “Bridgerton” Hayden Peters Netflix’s “Bridgerton” is a fresh take on a period piece drama, with a unique and modern twist that has influenced the latest fashion trends. From Vogue to TikTok, everyone has been buzzing about a new Regency-era-inspired style, thanks to the series. In the show, the aristocratic Bridgerton family is entering the new courting season for young ladies. In 1813 London, presentation is everything. The wardrobe of a woman can make or break her chances of finding a husband, so naturally, the costume design for the show is gorgeous. Since the release of the Netflix original, there have been mixed reviews regarding the style of the show. Some critics have said that the costumes aren’t historically accurate for the time period, however, the costume designer of “Bridgerton” said it was intentional. The series has frequent hints of modernity laced into it’s soundtrack, theme, and even the wardrobe. With inspiration drawn from intricately designed gowns and suits, recent runway looks and street-style chic have mirrored the delicacy of the show’s time period. Many favorite features by the show’s designer, Ellen Mirojnic, include scooped necklines, puff-sleeves, and surprisingly; inspiration from 1950’s Christian Dior; according to her interview in the December issue of Vogue. By introducing components from multiple different decades and eras, Mirojnic has explained that it adds a more timeless feel to the clothing pieces. The versatility of the current style is proven by including artistry from the 1810’s and 1950’s at the same time, even through they are two drastically different periods of fashion. Because of these subtle nods, it has been easy to see the similarities in new “Bridgerton-like” looks with a 21st century twist. Senior Alaina Fitzmaurice said that she is excited about this “new” wave of classic fashion. “I would wear this style now because I have always wanted to wear something from the 1800’s. I do think it matches 2021 style and I think 2021 fashion will tend to be a modern version of older styles.”
The corset style bodice has been a popular piece of Regency style. It is commonly worn by models on Instagram and the runway alike. Art by Hayden Peters
Main character Daphne Bridgerton is seen wearing many intricately designed gowns through-out the show. Bridgerton is played by actress Phoebe Dynever. Art by Hayden Peters Like many crazes, this obsession with the Regency look spread on social media and made its way onto major magazines and runways. “I have seen it trending mostly on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. I personally have not bought any of the new styles, but I definitely plan to. With the trend being everywhere, I don’t doubt I will find a place to buy them,” Fitzmaurice said. Sophomore Milan Grimes is also excited to hop on the bandwagon. “My favorite part of the show was definitely the costumes. You never knew what someone would show up in for the ball, or what someone would wear to tea. Everything was breathtaking, women and men alike,” Grimes said. So far, popular pieces with inspiration from the show include corset bodices, jewelry, florals, and pastels. “I really enjoy the corsets. I also like the color pallet, you can go with bold or soft tones depending on what you like,” Fitzmaurice said. A focal point of this fashion movement is versatility. With many different events and dress codes included in the show, it is easy to add a unique twist to your look. “I think in 2021 our generation is really focused on individuality. You can see all kinds of personalities through people’s clothing. For example, In the show I loved the extravagant jewelry the women would wear to compliment their gowns. I also love the vibrant colors used in all the fabrics for the costumes. I can see that mirrored in the modern version of this style,” Grimes said. Overall, the main result of this popular period piece has proven to be it’s new wave in present-day fashion. The distinctive features of this trend are timeless but refreshing, unique but wide-range. “With this trend there is such a large variety of choices. I feel like there’s something for everyone. I think because so many people have wanted this style, it will stay around for a while and continue to change and adapt into something new.” Fitzmaurice said.
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Mia Guidolin More than a year has passed since the launch of Disney+ and their remakes of popular classics that could provide disenchanted Netflix viewers another option. While Disney provided a sneak peak at what would be coming next, Netflix recently pulled several fan favorites from its line up. News stations such as CNN have announced the loved classic, “Sister Act” getting a third movie. It has been confirmed by CNN that Whoopi Goldberg will be returning to not only star, but also produce. On James Corden’s “Late Late Show,” Goldberg talked about “Sister Act 3” saying, “For a long time, they kept saying no one wanted to see it, then it turns out that may not be true … so we’re working diligently to try to figure out how to get the gang together and come back.” The release date to this fan favorite is unknown. Disney announced a lot of films on their Investor Day, a day known for big announcements. Many of them, like the ones previously mentioned, are sequels. Senior Emily Lyon, lover of all things Disney, said that although there are some sequels she has enjoyed, such as “Frozen 2,” there have also been sequels that were not needed. A live-action remaking of “Peter Pan,” called “Peter Pan and Wendy” will also be hitting theatres. Although the release date has also not been announced, the actors have. Yara Shahidi stars as Tinkerbell, and Jude Law as Captain Hook. Thirteen-year-old Ever Anderson has been cast as Wendy, and newcomer Alexander Molony will make his debut as Peter Pan. Variety has informed the public that the role of Tiger Lily is to be re-imagined, and Alyssa Wapanatâhk, another newcomer, is happy to take on the role. Lyon said that some remakes are OK, but that it seems that’s the only thing Disney is doing. “It’s fun to remake things, but it’s beginning to feel like their only content,” Lyon said. She isn’t the only Disney fan that thinks like this, sophomore Kara Miller agreed. “Remaking old classic movies was a cool idea at first, but Disney is overusing it and they need some new ideas,” Miller said. Another live-action re-make that has been announced is Pinocchio. Fans have been sharing their thoughts on this film, and not all of them are positive. One Twitter user, Hana Aialyne posted on Twitter, “There is no possible way that movie will end up being enjoyable in the slightest.” Miller also had similar thoughts. “Honestly Pinocchio scared me as a kid so I think it’s
going to be an absolute train wreck.” Others, like Lyon, are excited to see how Disney will portray this classic film. “Pinocchio has always been one of my favorites because I very much love classic Disney, so I’m super excited to see where they go with this new telling of the story,” Lyon said. A movie that does have a release date is “Cruella,” a movie about the life of one of Disney’s classic villains, Cruella Deville. The movie set in 1970’s punk-rock London, stars Emma Stone as Cruella and is set to be out in theatres on May 28. Miller said that she is very excited for this movie. “It’s in the perspective of the villain, like ‘Maleficent’ was, and I really liked that movie,” Miller said. While Disney is feeding us with new content, Neftilx is taking it away. Many popular shows disappeared from Netflix in 2020, and one in particular had many fans enraged. “The Office” was a lot of people’s favorite, many watched the series over and over. This was the case for sophomore Alex Santoro, who said he watched the show 1,000 times. “On Dec. 31, I watched my favorite episode, closed my laptop and thought to myself, this was a good end of an era.” Santoro said Netflix’s ratings might lower because of the purge of their most popular shows. “The reason Neftlix became popular was because of their mixture of classics and their own originals. Getting rid of the classics, in my eyes, will severely lower their ratings,” Santoro said. He also said that he hasn’t been on Netflix
that much anymore. “I now go many days where I think of watching Disney+, but for some time now I haven’t even thought about hopping onto Netflix.” Another comfort show taken off of this streaming platform was “Gossip Girl.” Sophomore Ella Cronhardt said that taking “Gossip Girl” off of Netflix took her by surprise. “Considering it was for sure one of the best shows on Netflix I am confused why they took it off.” Cronhardt said that although she can’t watch it on Netflix anymore, she found that she was able to watch it on HBO Max. She said that Netflix has made a mistake by taking popular shows off. “I think that it will lower their revenue,” Cronhardt said. Although we are saying a bittersweet goodbye to the good shows that Netflix had, we are also welcoming the new movies that Disney has promised us.
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Hello Disney shows, goodbye Netlfix; you will be missed
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Senior Luke Jordan drives to the goal in the championship game of the Summit Sizzler. The Titans would go on to capture the game against Raytown 63-56. Jordan was one of two Titans, the other being senior Colby Baggett, to be selected to the all tournament team. Photo by Madeline Cantrell
Junior Lilly Frazier takes a deep breath while backstroking. Several Titans including Seniors Abigail Moore and Payton Easley as well as Junior Ella Fries, Sophomore Lydia Grider, and Freshman Laney Weatherby have all automatically qualified for state. Photo by Anna Eulinger Sophomore Bailey Burns takes a shot against Rockbridge. The Lady Titans would go on to win the game 66-45. Tonight, the team will play Blue Springs in a conference game. Photo by Caroline True
Junior Ruben Miller holds his opponent in a front head lock. Today, the Titans will participate in a varsity invitational at Grandview. Photo by Sarah Hall
Winter Sports Update
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Keaghan McDaniel Spring sports tryouts and seasons are underway with COVID-19 restrictions being the main concern. Unlike fall and winter sports, every team’s spring season will take place outside, which is seen as an advantage regarding COVID and it’s regulations. Senior baseball player Chase Taylor said, “I feel anxious and excited because we didn’t get a spring season last year.” Taylor isn’t alone, as all spring sports had little to no season. Junior soccer player Greycen Erisman said “I am just honestly happy we are getting to play. All other sports were able to play so we are hoping the same for us.” Along with track, tennis and boy’s golf, se-
niors Nate Lightfoot and Hogan Stoker, and juniors Haley Baldwin and Ethan Gray, are all wishing for a safe season. Baseball and soccer are two sports that may see different COVID restrictions regarding masks; baseball players are more spread out and soccer players are closer with more contact. Taylor said, “I believe we will be able to not have masks on because we are an outside sport and usually away from opposing players.” On the other hand, Erisman said, “I mean soccer is a contact sport so we will, during games, have to be in contact with other players. But at practice we are trying our best to keep everything somewhat at a distance.” To prepare for their first real season back
since 2019, spring sports have already kicked off their pre-season work in the gym and on the field. Gray said boy’s golf started going to the driving range every Wednesday back in Mid-December. According to Baldwin, track started their pre-season training already too. “We have started our winter conditioning, and so far things are good. We all do good with wearing our masks, except for when we are running,” Baldwin said. “And for the days we lift weights, we are just more spaced out than normal. We must keep our masks on and once we are done we wipe everything down. The only thing that stinks is when lifting we must keep our masks on and it can be quite difficult sometimes.” Erisman said the girl’s soccer team was following similar restrictions. “We just started preseason. We were able to start futsal in the gym with masks being worn and were able to condition outside on the track with all age groups split up,” Erisman said. Even with the risk of COVID-19 ending their seasons early, all of the athletes said they wanted to go back to school. Baldwin said, “I will most likely go back to school simply because I, as a student, need that school habitat to thrive. I know there is a risk to being exposed but our team has all agreed that if we do not slightly feel good we will just be sent home for the next few days by our coach.” Having seen how other coaches and teams have handled quarantining players and adjusting to restrictions, spring sports should be ready for a long season, according to Stoker. Stoker said, “Because of the success with the fall and winter seasons, I think that spring sports will flow just as well. Exposures can’t be avoided completely, but it helps that the protocols are more advanced and effective than before.” Looking to the future of the season, Baldwin offered words of encouragement to other athletes. “Even through all the restrictions from COVID, I am thankful we have the opportunity to race and our team continues to send positive vibes to every athlete at West,” Baldwin said.
Senior Chase Taylor is preparing for his upcoming baseball season. He is one of many seniors hoping to get in his last season of school ball without COVID-19 quarantines or delays. Photo by Keaghan McDaniel
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Spring sports athletes prepare for competition
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Run it back!
This season, the Kansas City Chiefs set a team record for regular season wins — 14 wins, 2 losses — and secured the top seed in the AFC and the only playoff bye in the conference. Let’s take a look at other teams that have hit the 14 win mark and where they ended up in the postseason.
Going into the 1980s, three teams hit the sweet 14 win mark, and they did it three years in a row. These teams were the start of a 13 year span where only NFC teams won the super bowl, the longest stretch of dominance by one conference in NFL history. Of these three teams with at least 14 wins, two, the 1984 49ers and the 1985 Bears, hit 15 wins.
The first team to reach 14 regular season wins were the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who went undefeated and won the Superbowl. These Dolphins are still the only team to reach that milestone (I’m looking at you 2007 Patriots). In 1978, the NFL expanded the regular season to 16 games.
In 1998 alone, three teams hit the 14 win mark, the Denver Broncos (who won the super bowl), the Dirty Birding Atlanta Falcons, and the 15-1 Randy Moss and Cris Carter led Minnesota Vikings. In the NFC championship the Falcons upset the Vikings after Gary Anderson missed a possible game winning field goal. Meeting the defending champ Broncos, the Falcons were eventually crushed in the Superbowl. However, this is the Superbowl with the highest winning percentage overall, as no other Superbowl has had both teams reach 14 wins. In 1999, the Jacksonville Jaguars seemed to dominate the league, except for in Tennessee. The newly rebranded Titans were the only team Jacksonville lost to that year, with twice in the regular season and in the AFC championship game.
In the 2000s, a total of nine teams reached the 14 win milestone and often faced each other in pivotal playoff games. In 2004, the defending champion New England Patriots (14-2) faced a Steelers team (15-1) at Heinz Field in the AFC championship. Of course, the Steelers lost and the Patriots repeated as Superbowl champs. The 15 win curse comes up the most in the years after 2000, as the Steelers ( ‘04), Patriots (‘07), Packers (‘11), What does this mean for the Chiefs? After Baltimore (14-2) tapped out in the and Panthers (‘15) all reached Divisional round with 14 wins last season, I don’t know what to expect. But 15 wins, but came up short after dominating the Bills in the AFC Championship, I feel more confident in in either the playoffs or the our abilities against Tampa Bay (more like the Tompa Bay Gronkeneers) as Superbowl. Since 2000, we have already beat them handily this year. The score at the end of the game the only team to win the didn’t really show it, but after Tyreek Hill (who is 8th in the league in total reSuperbowl with even 14 ceiving yards) posted 269 receiving yards on 13 receptions (most of this in the wins has been the Pafirst quarter) there was no question who was going to win that game. However, triots, and they did it in the Bucs have been stingy this postseason. After upsetting both the Saints and 2003, 2004, and in 2016 the Packers in away games, they are returning to their home stadium as the (in the 28-3 game!) first team to host and play in the Superbowl. The Bucs have a great pass rush with Devin White being a stand out on their d-line. And of course on the offensive side of the ball is the GOAT Tom Brady. This is Brady’s 10th Superbowl start, the most of any player, and he has had some of the most famous super bowl moments. As a player, he is known for his ability to play until the last whistle, something the Chief ’s know firsthand after the 2018 AFC Championship. So what are the keys? Keep pressure on Brady. Score points and don’t let off the gas. If we underestimate Tom Brady, there’s going to be a lesser chance for us to run it back!